Lori Austin is a semi-retired teacher, with over 25 years experience teaching all aspects of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math. While she dabbled in art her whole life, it was only when she studied botanical painting under the tutelage of renowned Ashfield artist, Beverly Duncan, that her passion for nature flourished and she began nature journaling. Lori has been nature journaling for over 15 years in places as far away as the jungles of Mexico to the deserts of Arizona, but prefers journaling right in her own neighborhood of Plainfield, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, two Welsh corgis, Quinn and Arlo, and cats Chester and Houcus. When asked why she nature journals, she noted that, “Journaling allows me to slow down and really observe the natural world around me. It has helped me develop an intimate relationship with the local flora and fauna – and deepen my appreciation for the wonders of nature.”
